From its origin as a letter from one convert to the Orthodox Church to the frightened protestant parents of another (occasioned by the daughter's entry into a convent), the book grew as a collective effort between the letter's writer (who expanded it to three), her parish priest and members of the parish, and several participants in a "circulation list", including her bishop and several monks at Holy Trinity Monastery. A fitting companion to The Sacramental Life, it appeals to an even broader audience. “[...These] ‘letters’ were actually inspired by a letter I wrote at a friend’s request to her parents. At the request and encouragement of my priest and several friends I expanded and published them and versions of them have been sent to various relatives and friends already. [...]I left the title as it stands, however, so that it might be any convert’s letter to his or her parents or loved ones.” —“For the Reader Who is Curious”